Hello Friends!

I have moved!

My name is Julie Rosenthal, and I welcome you to my website Goodiegoodieglutenfree.com. It is dedicated to healing through clean eating, and spiritual self-care. Before this blog makeover, I blogged about a sugar filled gluten-free lifestyle. After Nutrition school I learned why I still wasn't feeling well even though I was gluten-free and I began to make a lot of dietary and lifestyle changes. So naturally my blog changed-drastically. I went from eating bags of candy, to the occasional dark chocolate indulgence and chocolate avocado pudding. I started meditating and practicing yoga and I eliminated foods that bothered me without even thinking twice. I learned that above all, chronic inflammation can kill and now instead of craving candy, I crave to healthy baking (it's possible and delicious) and I wake up every morning excited to enjoy a green smoothie or a green juice instead of coffee.

My mission is to inspire you to make healthier choices so you feel your absolute best without feeling deprived, despite your limitations. When it comes to health and wellness, it is not just about food. Food is only part of the equation. In order to obtain balance, each aspect of your life must be supported. What we eat, our lifestyle, and how we feel about ourselves all connect. When attention is given to all areas, it is then, that happiness, joy and balance can thrive.

How did I get Here?

In 2006, my journey began when I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease. During the first 7 years of my diagnosis I would have told you I healed myself through the gluten-free diet. But after 7 years, I suddenly developed a multitude of mysterious symptoms: full-body inflammation, drastic hair loss, brain fog, digestive issues, severe vitamin deficiencies, allergies, anemia, nutrient absorption malfunction, dermatitis, eczema, muscle spasms, acid reflux, insomnia, adult acne, rosacea, and migraines, to name a few. My immune system totally crashed!

Coincidently, I was already enrolled in a nutrition school called the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. And despite what was happening to me medically, I devoted myself to studying Holistic Nutrition, Eastern Medicine, self-care and healthy eating, which play a major role in mind/body healing. I learned that there is a big differencebetween eating a gluten-free diet and having a healthy, clean, processed-free gluten-free lifestyle. But by the time I tried to adopt to this, my body was too compromised to reap any benefits and western medicine could only take me so far.

Thankfully, while studying nutrition, I was guided toward Integrative Functional Medical Doctors, who focus on treating the root cause, not only the symptoms. My first prescription was the Paleo diet and overnight I eliminated processed foods, alcohol, wine, coffee, white potatoes, oranges, bananas and other high sugar fruits, corn, sugar, gluten, all grains, soy, legumes, peanuts, and dairy hoping this diet would heal me. But, like the gluten-free diet, the Paleo diet worked…at first. Within a few short months, I developed new complications like new vitamin deficiencies and food sensitivities with a facial numbing/swelling reaction to almost 80% of what I ate. I began to fear food. I was so devastated, stressed, and so frustrated. But, I didn't give up.

With the help of my current Integrative Functional Doctor (Doctor #15, 2nd Integrative M.D.), I began to try other elimination diets with a gluten-free base in order to regain some of the balance my body lost. After many different types of testing, I was finally diagnosed with 4 intestinal bacterial overgrowths (SIBO), 1 yeast overgrowth, high cortisol levels (stress hormone/fight or flight/known as the master of all hormones), neurotransmitter deficiencies, vitamin/nutrient/mineral deficiencies, high mercury levels, Leaky Gut, and over 40 food sensitivities. Oddly, I felt relieved by this diagnosis, because at least I had some answers! But boy, was my body a mess!

Shortly after, I adopted a spiritual practice to support my healing process, because I became aware of the mind/body connection. Hello, meditation, acupuncture, yoga, energy healing and my spiritual Gurus: Gabrielle Bernstein, Kris Carr, Louise Hay, Mastin Kipp, and Deepak Chopra. I have always been a deeply passionate partner in my own healing, but developing spiritually is giving me the tools to seek gratitude in this transformational journey that continues to this day.

There have been times, and there will be more, when I want to give up! Healing is a process and it takes time, patience, compassion, and self-love. Health is essential to a happy life, and is the key ingredient. And without this journey, I wouldn't have changed my perspective. The Universe has tested my strength in ways I never thought possible. From this experience my creativity has soared, and my love for cooking, baking and developing recipes has blossomed. Spirituality and self-love have been two of the most supporting factors in my life to this day. This healing process has only made me smarter, stronger, more loving, and more determined to continue to have a full life, no matter what.

My goal is to share my journey, my story, my recipes and my wellness tips in hopes that those who are also struggling find comfort knowing that there is a way to thrive and survive no matter what! My wish is to inspire you to create a life you love despite your limitations, to help you understand them and to support you while you are on your own healing journey.

What I have learned…for now

There are pros and cons to both Eastern and Western Medicine

Our bodies thrive on moderation, not excess

Healthy excess can also cause problems

Always trust what your body tells you

If you don't like your doctor, get a new one

Work towards self-love and self-care

Heal yourself from within

There is always a way!

Learn to love yourself, despite your flaws

Be grateful for the people who support and love you

Be kind to yourself

Always trust your instincts, they are your guide

Negative thoughts breed negative life

Healthy is sexy

Happiness is sexy

Never ever give up!

Credentials

I trained at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York City studying over 100 dietary theories, practical lifestyle management techniques, and Eastern and Western Nutrition. The school is led by experts in the field of health and wellness including Dr. Andrew Weil, Geneen Roth, Dr. Deepak Chopra, Dr. David Katz, Dr. John Doulliard, Dr. Mark Hyman, and David Wolfe amongst many others. My education has equipped me with extensive knowledge in Holistic Nutrition, Health Coaching and the importance of preventative care.